Meerkats always have black patches around the eyes, which to the us makes the meerkat seem more human. The patches are, in fact, to help deflect the strong glare of the African sun. Likewise its ears are black and are crescent shaped. When the meerkat digs – as is its wont – then the meerkat is able to close its ears to keep out the sand. The meerkat – like the moggy in one respect at least – has binocular vision. This means that it uses both eyes together.
http://scienceray.com/biology/zoology/compare-the-meerkat-for-real/
From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by taliesyn30.
Now that's hard core ... and welcome back, taliesyn30!